CM HAF 922 vs Storm Scout vs Storm Sniper

[skifreak107]

My local microcenter has the HAF 922 and Storm Scout for 94.99 - 20 mir = 74.99 and the Storm Sniper for 119. I've been reading about all three all day but it seems every reviewer has a different set of standards and it makes it very hard to choose.

The case will be used for a fairly standard i5 build, single gpu (no plans for dual gpu), 2 hdd, 1 optical, corsair 750. The case won't be traveling too much, but it will be on often so it shouldn't be too loud. I don't go overboard on o/cing so the best airflow is nice but not essential.

Basically, of the three cases listed, which will have the best overall fit, look, and low noise of the three for the price? (keeping in mind the extra 45 for the sniper).

 

[skifreak107]

Sniper is one of the best airflow cases i have ever used. I'd spend alittle extra and get that.

Are there other useful features aside from the airflow that make it worth the extra ~$45?

 

[JohnnyLucky]

All three Coolermaster cases have excellent ventilation, airflow, and cooling. They are also large enough to accomodate components like tall tower style heatsinks and long video cards without any problems. Cable management is very good too. I have looked at all three at a local Fry's Electronics Store. The Storm Sniper is my favorite of the three. However, you can't go wrong with any of them. Sometimes it boils down to a matter of personal preference. Get the one you like.

If you are on a budget I have an alternative for you. Lian Li is known for their quality aluminum cases but they can be expensive. Lian Li has a subsidiary company called Lancool which offers steel cases instead of aluminum. Two months ago they came out with a Dragon Lord series of cases that look like they have great potential. The case may be steel but the interior has quite a few Lian Li innovative features.

http://www.mwave.com/mwave/deepsearch_v3.asp?scriteria=lancool&ALL=y&TP=

The guys over at mnpctech.com did a video review:

http://www.youtube.com/user/MonsterMawd#play/uploads/3/U2MdUGxWEcU

I'm considering getting the PC-K60 without the window for my next build.

 

[skifreak107]

All three Coolermaster cases have excellent ventilation, airflow, and cooling. They are also large enough to accomodate components like tall tower style heatsinks and long video cards without any problems. Cable management is very good too. I have looked at all three at a local Fry's Electronics Store. The Storm Sniper is my favorite of the three. However, you can't go wrong with any of them. Sometimes it boils down to a matter of personal preference. Get the one you like.

If you are on a budget I have an alternative for you. Lian Li is known for their quality aluminum cases but they can be expensive. Lian Li has a subsidiary company called Lancool which offers steel cases instead of aluminum. Two months ago they came out with a Dragon Lord series of cases that look like they have great potential. The case may be steel but the interior has quite a few Lian Li innovative features.

http://www.mwave.com/mwave/deepsearch_v3.asp?scriteria=lancool&ALL=y&TP=

The guys over at mnpctech.com did a video review:

http://www.youtube.com/user/MonsterMawd#play/uploads/3/U2MdUGxWEcU

I'm considering getting the PC-K60 without the window for my next build.

Thanks for the insight. What is the difference between the PC-K56, 58, and 62? I notice newegg has them all but I can't see much of a difference to justify the cost differences?

 

[skifreak107]

To partially answer my own question, it looks as though the 56 and 62 are based off of the same chassis, the 62 coming with more toolless features, better paint, some additional niceties.

Source: http://www.techspot.com/review/191-lianli-lancool-k62-k56/page6.html

Since it comes at the same price point as the sniper, I'd be more likely to opt for the k62 for its awesome feature set. There seems to be an issue with overtightening on some of the window screws on the 62, leading to cracked plexiglass.

Now my decision has to come down to the 922, Scout, or K62. Is the K62 worth the premium over the 922/scout?

That is the next question

 

[skifreak107]

After watching this video:
http://www.hardwarecanucks.com/forum/hardware-canucks-reviews/22076-lancool-dragonlord-pc-k62-case-review.html#post242067

I've decided to go with the K62. Everything about it just screams functional, gorgeous, and efficient. Here's to hoping mine doesn't come with a cracked window!

 

[JohnnyLucky]

hehehe ... you answered your own question.

 

[skifreak107]

hehehe ... you answered your own question.

Now I need to know which p55 motherboard to get, I don't suppose you have an idea for that?

 

[JohnnyLucky]

I'm the wrong person to ask about Intel motherboards. The last Intel system I built was an Intel Pentium III, 500Mhz system a long time ago in a galaxy far far away.

Here are some links to articles and reviews that might be helpful:

http://www.tomshardware.com/picturestory/517-p55-deluxe-p55-gd80.html

http://www.guru3d.com/article/msi-p55-gd80-review-test/

http://www.guru3d.com/article/asus-p7p55d-deluxe-motherboard-review-test/

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/review-socket-7-pci-motherboards,46-8.html

 

[skifreak107]

I'm the wrong person to ask about Intel motherboards. The last Intel system I built was an Intel Pentium III, 500Mhz system a long time ago in a galaxy far far away.

Here are some links to articles and reviews that might be helpful:

http://www.tomshardware.com/picturestory/517-p55-deluxe-p55-gd80.html

http://www.guru3d.com/article/msi-p55-gd80-review-test/

http://www.guru3d.com/article/asus-p7p55d-deluxe-motherboard-review-test/

http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/review-socket-7-pci-motherboards,46-8.html

I appreciate the info, though I just have to mention that your last link is from 1997 and mentions motherboards that include PS/2 cables

 

[JohnnyLucky]

I guess you could call it a blast from the past!

 

[leefuji]

Skifreak : check this http://www.evga.com/forums/tm.asp?m=100675297&mpage=1&key=&#100911319

 

[RIOTinYOURcity]

Out of the three OP listed I would go with the Scout. Its sexy and has great airflow.

If your all about staying cool go with the HAF 922. I think the Sniper case is ugly and overpriced but I have no doubt it performs well. After all its Cooler Master

 

[victorio404]

I'm very happy with HAF 922. Added a 200mm red led fan on the side panel (it is not included in the package). Definitely better airflow than the Scout.